Murfreesboro, TN - Grantgofourth.com, a local web development company, has just released their new website, complete with new services geared towards better serving small business'.

For the past two years, the team at Grantgofourth.com has been developing websites in and around Rutherford County, but this year they've taken it up a notch.  Not only will they be offering professional website design, but other services including:

• Website Optimization for SEO
• Copywriting
• Keyword Research
• Link Building
• In-depth Competitor Analysis
• A/B Split Testing
• E-Commerce Solutions

These are just a handful of the new services offered.  To see more, visit their website at http://grantgofourth.com.  For further information, you may email them at their website, or contact Grant Gofourth at 615-410-3909.

Local organization projects fundraising campaign to be within $100,000 of $3 million goal.

The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties announced during a press conference Thursday that it is within reach of its $3 million fundraising goal for 2011 and appealed to the public for help closing the gap before the end of the year.

Board Chairman Andrew Oppmann stated that "projections and estimates reflect that the campaign efforts are expected to conclude at a little more than $2.9 million, less than $100,000 away from reaching the $3 million goal sought for years to help our communities meet their needs."

A $2.9 million campaign would be historic - the highest campaign total to date in the local United Way's 56 years of existence.

The United Way's campaign thermometer increased from 38 percent last week to 63.7 this week, directly linked to several key campaigns that concluded and recently submitted their totals to United way.

One of those campaigns was General Mills, led by incoming United Way board chairman Pat Murphy. General Mills concluded its campaign with a record-setting $670,000 – a 13 percent increase over its record total last year of $585,000.

Oppmann also noted during the press conference that 1 in 6 families in the community still struggle with hunger issues, that 1 in 3 people draw upon the services that United Way dollars fund, that the money raised during the United Way campaign translates into lives rebuilt and, in many cases, lives saved.

Oppmann also thanked the staff and membership of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for working with United Way to expand the reach and results from area businesses in this year’s campaign.

United Way's Board of Directors committed to raising another $20,000 toward the gap that has been projected.

"I firmly believe the difference we can make between now and December 31 will come from individuals, people like you and me, who commit to make a difference through their personal gifts," Oppmann said.

Donations may be received online at www.uwrutherford.org, via phone at (615) 893-7303 or in person on the second floor of the FirstBank Building at 615 Memorial Boulevard.

Murfreesboro, Tenn. – If you see a copy of The Hunger Games lying on the table at Starbucks or notice the bestselling book nestled in a chair at the DMV, don’t just pass it by. Pick it up, read it, and, then, pass it on.

Read To Succeed and One Book of Rutherford County are offering a new feature this year with their selection of The Hunger Games: a chance to “find” a copy of the book and pass it on to a friend.

Thanks to a generous donation of The Hunger Games from Ingram Book Company, Read To Succeed and the One Book committee will place copies of the book around Rutherford County in well-populated areas (think your favorite coffee shop, a restaurant in Murfreesboro’s downtown square, or Smyrna’s town hall).  These copies are free and will be marked with a sticker on the front indicating it’s for One Book.  In the front of each book, readers indicate where the book was found, their name, and the date.  The book then gets passed on or placed around town for someone else to find.

To make the exchange even more enticing, each person can log their book in at www.readtosucceed.org/onebook.htm.  This will enter them to win one of two $20 gift cards to Barnes & Noble.

“The book crossing concept epitomizes the community spirit of reading that One Book represents,” says Kory Wells, One Book Committee Co-Chair. “We believe this will add a new dimension to this year’s One Book experience.”

In the fall of each year, Read To Succeed’s One Book of Rutherford County program challenges residents to join together to read a chosen book. This year's selection is the bestselling adventure novel by Suzanne Collins. One Book is a collaboration of Read To Succeed, Ingram Books, Linebaugh Library, Barnes & Noble, Greenhouse Ministries, United Way, and Middle Tennessee State University to promote reading and literacy in Rutherford County.

This year, Read To Succeed chose to partner with Greenhouse Ministries to promote One Book. Greenhouse Ministries provides assistance with food, clothing, job skill training, adult education classes and counseling for thousands of Murfreesboro residents each year, serving a core local need that the characters in The Hunger Games are all too familiar with. Through the late spring, Read To Succeed’s One Book and Greenhouse will be partnering on food and clothing drives, as well as promotional events (look for a presence in the Murfreesboro Christmas parade December 11).

“The Hunger Games isn’t like our choices in the past,” says Laura Beth Payne, a professor of English at MTSU and One Book Committee Co-Chair. “The action and intrigue of the book is compelling, but for diverse ages and reading levels.”

The choice was a strategic one, Payne says. By choosing a widely-accessible book, Read To Succeed is able to reach an even wider audience than it has before. Parents and teens can read the book together—they can talk about reading at the dinner table.

“The response has been overwhelming already this year,” says Read To Succeed Executive Director Lisa Mitchell. “People who aren’t normally big readers are telling me they couldn’t put it down, and they’re anxious to talk about the different themes in the book.”

And that, says Mitchell, is exactly the point of One Book: getting the community excited about reading.

If you find a copy of The Hunger Games somewhere around Rutherford County or are given a copy to read, please read it, then pass it on to someone else who will enjoy the book. Visit readtosucceed.org/onebook.htm to let us know where you found the book and what you thought of it to be entered to win one of two $20 Barnes & Noble gift cards.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center marked its successes and made one major change on August 18^th – a new name.

The Center revealed its new name, “Journeys in Community Living” during a dinner and awards ceremony at Murfreesboro's DoubleTree Hotel. The event began with wine and a silent auction.

"We felt the name no longer reflected what we do," said Betty McNeely, Executive Director for 30 years. "The reason for the name change is to highlight what we do now. When we started 35 years ago, we were primarily a day care and recreational center. Now we are focused on supporting adults with intellectual disabilities realize their dreams and aspirations-perhaps to work independently in a local business, rent their own homes in a regular neighborhoods, give back to the community through volunteer work.”

The staff at Journeys in Community Living are assisting their clients in their individual journeys of achievement and community participation.

Also during the celebration, Bradshaw Collision Repair Centers presented Journeys with a “like-new” reconditioned passenger van.

A community award was given at the event to longtime business supporter State Farm Insurance and an individual award recognized Robert Rose, former Murfreesboro city council member, founding Board member and long-time supporter of the Rutherford County Adult Activity Center.

For more information, check Journeys’ website at www.journeysincommunity.org or call 615-890-4389.

Murfreesboro, TN - The Center for the Arts will present Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, directed by Denis Pessar, beginning September 9^th through the 25^th on Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.

Weigh the anchor and blow the whistle ‘cause Cole Porter’s Anything Goes is coming to the Center for the Arts stage! Come travel the high seas on this romantic and hilarious cruise aboard the S.S. American. Rollicking antics, laughable disguises, and good old-fashioned blackmail make this show one that simply can’t be missed!

Anything Goes follows four mismatched lovers on a cruise aboard the S.S. American sailing from New York to England. Evangelist turned nightclub singer, Reno Sweeney, dreams of love with the ship’s stowaway Billy Crocker, but he follows the engaged heiress Hope Harcourt around the ship in hopes of winning her love. The plot gets more interesting as gangster Moonface Martin and his sidekick Bonnie try to disguise their identities on the ship by dressing as a minister and missionary. It’s a tangled mess of love and comedy on the S.S. American! On this ship, anything goes!

A Tony-award winning Broadway musical by Cole Porter, Anything Goes features songs such as “I Get A Kick Out of You,” It’s De-Lovely,” and “Anything Goes.”  In 1936, a film version was introduced that starred Ethel Merman and Bing Crosby. Cole Porter is also famous for his musicals Kiss Me Kate, Can-Can, and Fifty Million Frenchmen.

Anything Goes will play at The Center for the Arts September 9^th -25^th Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets start at $14.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors, students, and military, and $10.00 for children. Tickets for all performances may be purchased online at www.boroarts.org, by phone at 615-904-2787, or in person at The Center for the Arts, 110 W. College Street, one block off the historic Murfreesboro square. Groups of 10 or more may reserve discounted tickets by calling The Center for the Arts office at 615-904-2787.

Initial stages of the 9-11 Memorial with an I-beam from the World Trade Center will be unveiled during the annual Community Fair from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

The 3,000-pound I-beam from Tower One will be the focus of the memorial being constructed, said Deputy Greg Dotson, who is coordinating the memorial drive.

“The memorial will remember those who have fallen on Sept. 11, 2001 due to planned acts of terrorists as well as the troops who have fallen since that day in defending freedom and trying to rid the world of terrorism,” Dotson said. “The memorial will show support for the troops who are still at war and in harms’ way.”

Cost of the memorial is estimated at $30,000. Donations and the sale of bricks will fund the project. Pre-ordered bricks will be on display. Bricks will be on sale during the 9-11 fair.

Dotson believes the memorial will be a historical landmark in Rutherford County. The memorial should be completed by December.

The memorial ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. with the singing of the national anthem by the group, the Roy’s, and Murfreesboro Fire Department serving as the honor guard. Firefighters will ring a bell in salute to the lives lost on 9-11. Rolling Thunder will present a POW/MIA flag.

Sheriff Robert F. Arnold will speak. Iraqi veteran David Judy, who delivered the I-beam from New York City, will be recognized.

Richie McDonald, former lead singer of the country band, Lonestar, will be the featured performer. The County Music Association named Lonestar the county music Group of the Year in 2001.

McDonald wrote, “I’m Already There” and sang it with Lonestar. The song was awarded Song of the Year and McDonald was the BMI Writer of the Year in 2002. Also, “Amazed” by Lonestar was the Single Song of the Year in 2001.

Other events include:

• Inflatables sponsored by Cox Family Martial Arts.
• Face painting by the La Vergne Police Department’s Police Athletic League.
• A petting zoo sponsored by Property Assessor Bill Boner of Cripple Creek Farms.
• Demonstration of the Jaws of Life by the Walter Hill Volunteer Fire Department.
• Displays of equipment and vehicles by the sheriff’s office, Murfreesboro Police, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville police, Murfreesboro Fire Department, Rutherford County Fire and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services.
• Food for sale.
• Displays of vehicles by Ford of Murfreesboro and Nissan.

Community organizations will discuss their groups. AARP will conduct a silent auction featuring NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon memorabilia and representatives of the Fisher House will collect donations to build a home for families while veterans are in the hospital.

Vendors of arts and crafts are still needed. Booth fees are $50 and must be reserved by Aug. 31.

Deputy Jim Noe said Americans need to remember the fallen heroes and show solidarity.

“We want to let our neighbors know we are still united under the cause of freedom,” Noe said.

For more information, contact Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy at 904-3019, Dotson at 904-3033 or Noe at 904-3018.

Murfreesboro, TN - MTSU is continuing a tradition started in 2001 by inviting area businesses to welcome students to campus during “Meet Murfreesboro” days Aug. 30-31.
Businesses can visit with students and display products by reserving space in tents in the courtyard outside Keathley University Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of MTSU’s annual Week of Welcome celebration.

Display space costs $250 and includes a table and chairs, lunch for two people per day, electrical access and two visitor parking passes.

“We encourage businesses to bring free samples, specialty giveaways and coupons to give students,” said Gina Poff, director of the Office of New Student and Family Programs. “The students really enjoy the event, and in past years we have had vendors tell us they gave away as many as 5,000 items per day.”

Deadline for registration for the event is Friday, Aug. 26, and space is limited. For more information, contact Rob Patterson, coordinator of the Office of New Student and Family Programs, at 615-898-2454 or read the PDF at http://bit.ly/MTMeetMboro11.

MTSU has applied for and received a Hazard Mitigation Grant from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, which will provide funds to survey buildings, identify potential hazards and develop strategies to counter identified hazards.

The MTSU Hazard Mitigation Plan will allow the University to apply for grant funds from both TEMA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for projects to implement the plan.

An essential component in the planning process is community involvement, so members of the MTSU campus and surrounding community are being invited to a public-information session and presentation of the final draft of the plan. This session will be held on Wednesday, July 27, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room 475 of the James E. Walker Library on campus.

The MTSU Hazard Mitigation Committee will be present and includes representatives from the University’s Environmental Health and Safety Committee; the City of Murfreesboro’s fire, electric, and water and sewer departments; Rutherford County Emergency Management; Hastings Architecture; and MTSU Campus Planning.

For more information, contact Gerald Caudill at 615-898-2754.

Murfreesboro, TN - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee will hold a welcome reception for Carlos Clark, Branch Director of their Rutherford County office on Thursday, February 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Big Brothers Big Sisters offices inside the Murfreesboro Housing Authority, 415 North Maple Street, Murfreesboro.

The public is invited to attend this free event and learn more about the progress being made by Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Middle Tennessee area.  There will be a presentation by Lowell Perry, Jr. – CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee about the mentoring organization’s agency vision for Rutherford County.  A response is requested to (615) 329-9191 extension 229 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee first opened its Rutherford County branch office in 2007, and has stead ily increased their presence and ability to serve children with each year.  In 2010, the organization served 397 Rutherford County with a one-to-one mentor.  With this new appointment, Big Brothers Big Sisters hopes to further increase corporate investments and volunteer support in Rutherford County.

The primary administrative offices are located at 1704 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 130 in Nashville.  To better serve children, the agency also has satellite offices in Dickson, Springfield, and Ashland City.  To learn more, visit www.mentorakid.org or call (615) 890-8868, extension 10.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters:

Big Brothers Big Sisters is providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. These improvements help children create better schools, safer neighborhoods, and make healthier choices.  In 2010, the Middle Te nnessee agency served 2,812 children with a mentor.

It costs approximately $1,000 per child per year to provide the mentoring services of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers to ensure child safety, and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships.

From its administrative headquarters in Nashville in the Youth Opportunity Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee serves children all across Middle Tennessee in Metro Nashville/Davidson county as well as Williamson, Rutherford, Cheatham, Hickman, Dickson, Robertson, Sumner, and Wilson counties.  To better serve children, the agency also has satellite offices in Murfreesboro, Springfield, Ashland City, and Dickson.

For more info, visit www.mentorakid.org or call (615) 329-9191.

Terri Sterling of Murfreesboro, TN is among the 28 of Nashville’s most successful business women in the running for the 2011 Nashville ATHENA Award. These outstanding candidates represent the best and brightest stars in the metropolitan business community.

Sterling, president of Sterling Communications, is ponsored by CABLE - Rutherford Chapter.

Professional organizations across the region nominate outstanding women who best embody the goddess ATHENA, who is known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment, but most of all for her generosity.

"This wonderful group of women demonstrates such great leadership in their professions, churches, and communities every day,” said Teresa Campbell, Chair of the ATHENA Award Nominee and Judges Committee.

“Because of them our communities are a much better place for all of us as they fight injustices, volunteer at non-profits, and make key decisions in their businesses. We are excited to have each of them participate in the ATHENA Award process. I am honored and humbled to work with these caliber of women."

The ATHENA Award is Nashville’s highest recognition for women in business. Established in Chicago in 1982 and brought to Nashville in 1990 by the CABLE organization, the award is now celebrated in more than 500 communities and five countries. The 2011 ATHENA Award will be presented March 31, 2011, in a gala celebration, appropriately enough, at the Parthenon in Centennial Park. Deborah Faulkner, Chair of the 2011 ATHENA Award Program explained, “The ATHENA Award is the premier event for women in the Nashville business community. Every March during Women's History Month, we come together to celebrate outstanding women leaders. We congratulate all of these women who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in their professional, academic, and civic life.”

The Nashville ATHENA Award honors business and professional women for their career successes, service to community, and encouragement of women. It seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives. The ATHENA Scholarship Program will award a total of $21,000 in scholarships to six deserving recipients in four categories, based upon a 300-word essay and superior academic performance.

For more information, visit www.NashvilleATHENAAward.org.